Commemorative Memorial Bench Program

The Commemorative Memorial Bench Program (“CMBP” or the “Program”) provides the public with opportunities to purchase a bench to be given to New Hampshire State Parks (“State”) in honor of friends or family members. A more detailed policy is attached below.

NOTICE:At this time we are no longer taking applications for memorial benches at Hampton Beach, North Hampton, North Beach and Rye Harbor.

If you would like to participate in the Program, please complete the application and return via email (eric.feldbaum@dred.nh.gov); fax (603-271-3553); or mail to the address shown on the application form. An administrative fee of $25.00 must accompany each application.

Bench

In keeping with NH State Park brand there will be one style option available for memorial benches. The bench has a concrete base and cedar decking which will be urethane sealed.

Plaques

Commemorative plaques for benches may be requested on the application form. Plaques will be of consistent design and will be placed on the back of each bench to assure that the bench is an inviting place for park guests to sit and enjoy. The plaques will be ordered by and delivered to NH State Parks for placement on the memorial bench. Donors will be notified when plaques are being installed

Location

The location of a bench at a NH State Park will depend on the plan for future development of, or current activity within, the park. Applicants should provide up to two preferred locations for placement of the bench. Some parks may not have space for requested benches or other installations therefore the application for a specific park may be denied. Installation dates cannot be specified due to variations in staff scheduling, weather, workloads, special events, or other considerations. Every attempt will be made to accommodate a donor’s request for date or installation, but flexibility in scheduling is necessary.

If a bench installation location request cannot be mutually agreed upon, the administrative fee of $25.00 will be refunded.

Fees

Program fees for this service are based upon the cost of and installation requirements and light maintenance for the bench. Upon acceptance of the application, the cost of the bench as shown in illustrations in the application will be collected. You will be notified of the total estimated costs of the project during the application review process. Generally the cost of a Commemorative Memorial Bench will exceed $1,000.

The cost of the bench.

Purchase and installation of a commemorative plaque. (optional)

Shipping charges to the site of installation.

Cost of installing the bench at the site.

Administration of the memorial bench program.

Monitoring to include light maintenance and repair of the bench as needed including one re-application of urethane.

Any additional charges for transporting or placing a bench. Placing a bench may include adding security features to discourage removal or vandalism. These additional charges will be discussed and agreed upon during the application process.

Replacements

Once a bench is placed and secured, the State will monitor and maintain the bench for a period of ten years. It is understood that normal weathering of benches may occur and shall be acceptable to the donor. At ten years, the applicant should contact the State to arrange for future maintenance of the bench, if desired

The State shall not be responsible for loss or damage of any kind. If a bench is stolen or destroyed it will be permanently removed. If possible, the donor will be notified as a courtesy that the bench is no longer in place. If donors wish to replace a damaged or stolen bench they will need to begin a new application process and pay for the cost of the bench plus shipping and transportation. The State shall cover the installation, administration, and general maintenance fee for the remainder of the original ten year contract.

Tax Deductible

Donors should consult their tax advisor to determine whether the memorial bench is a tax deductible donation.

Procedure

Please complete the Commemorative Memorial Bench Program application. Submit the application along with a check for the administration fee of $25.00 payable to: “Treasurer, State of New Hampshire” to the address shown on the form.

The State will contact you to work out the details of your request, including your preferred bench with or without a plaque, site selection, tentative schedule for installation and total estimated project cost. A check for the total project cost, minus the administrative fee, must be received before the project is initiated.

Applications for the current year are due no later than April 1st. The Commemorative Memorial Bench Program will be reviewed annually which may result in policy, procedural, or fee changes. Prices are not guaranteed beyond December 31st each year.

Written confirmation will follow after installation is completed. For further information on this program, please contact: Eric Feldbaum, 603-271-3556 or eric.feldbaum@dred.nh.gov